HC Deb 28 November 1911 vol 32 c380W
Mr. LANSBURY

asked the Postmaster-General whether his department anticipated a large amount of telegraphic news work during this Autumn Session; whether as a consquence any special arrangements have been made in the Central Telegraph Office to ensure the prompt transmission of late night news work; and whether, in view of the complaints during the early portion of the year, any steps have been taken in that office to obviate the detention of the staff at midnight on compulsory overtime duty?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

A large amount of telegraphic news work is always expected during the Session of Parliament, although the amount varies from day to day. Suitable staff arrangements are made to deal with the varying volume to be expected from day to day. If it exceeds expectation and is handed in about midnight, staff must be kept on duty to deal with the excess; but this is not of frequent occurrence.